Role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in muscle-invasive bladder cancer: Clinical and cost effectiveness

Abstract

Background: Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers in the Western world, with associated significant mortality. Once proven to be muscle invasive, radical therapy is required. Objective: We reviewed the literature associated with clinical effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review of papers related to the search terms neoadjuvant chemotherapy, muscle invasive bladder cancer and clinical effectiveness; from 1984 through April 2014. We used the search terms of (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) AND (muscle invasive bladder cancer). We included primary research, but only included secondary research if it was a systematic review or meta-analyses. Papers outside this category were not included. Results: From the literature review, we found that the benefits of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer are wide-ranging. This includes a greatly improved response rate, including complete response and improved survival rate. Potential disadvantages of NAC include less accurate staging, delays in curative surgery (risk is greater, if delay > 12 weeks) in non-responders and the well-known fact that non-responders will fare worse, later on. Conclusions: In conclusion, NAC followed by radical therapy is the gold standard for muscle-invasive bladder tumours, for patients whom are sufficiently fit; however, there are many unanswered questions. As yet, this intervention has not been examined by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.